Role of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis
Journal Title: Postępy Nauk Medycznych - Year 2010, Vol 23, Issue 4
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are very important component of atherosclerotic plaques. Under physiological conditions, medial SMCs are highly specialized to perform their primary function of contraction and regulation of blood pressure and flow. In response to a variety of atherogenic stimuli during injury or repair, SMCs can undergo reversible modulation from the quiescent ”contractile” to the active “synthetic” state. Phenotypic transition facilitates many functions of SMCs such as abnormal proliferation, migration, inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) alteration and apoptosis. Multiple mitogenic mediators like growth factors and inflammatory cytokines are crucial in activation of SMCs, but mechanisms controlling transcription of genes involved in phenotypic modulations of cells are poorly understood. SMCs play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis participating in lesions initiation, progression, and clinical consequences. Smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration from the media to the intima contribute to the neointima formation. In progression of atherosclerosis SMCs are responsible for promoting plaque stability through the formation of the fibrous cup overlying a lipid - rich necrotic core. In advanced lesions, apoptosis of SMCs and degradation of ECM might promote plaque rapture. The aim of this review is to summarize the current laboratory and clinical advances implicating the role of SMCs in atherogenesis.
Authors and Affiliations
Cecylia Tukaj
Keywords
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